If you hear that familiar emergency tone on the radio or television next month don’t be alarmed, it’s only a test. The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will take place on Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. The alert will be transmitted over radio and television broadcast stations, cable television and other media services. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a public alert mechanism.

When the EAS is activated a message will be broadcasted on the radio and television indicating that “This is a test.” A regular EAS message lasts about two minutes however this one will last approximately three minutes.

Following the test the Federal Communications Commission along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will work together and make any necessary improvements to the system. The FCC and FEMA expect the system to be capable of handling an actual emergency on a national level.

Although Missouri City’s radio station, WQMN 1690 AM will not be participating in the test, City Officials wanted to take steps to educate the public about the EAS now so 9-1-1 call centers won’t be inundated during the test. Please pass this information along to your family and neighbors to help reduce the amount of incoming calls to 9-1-1 call centers.

For more information on the test log onto www.fcc.gov/pshs.